The Benefits of Live Streaming
Live streaming has become one of the most powerful tools for artists today. Over the past few years, the rise of internet and bedroom DJs has been incredible to witness. Emerging talent can now appear on your feed in various forms—whether through a hot new mashup, a seamless track transition, original productions, or a live streamed set. Artists have adapted to the ever-evolving music industry by leveraging the internet to their advantage. In this article, we explore the benefits of live streaming and how it can propel your artistic/musical career.
Live Streaming in a Post-Pandemic World
Although it has been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact is still felt today. The virus reshaped how society functions, affecting millions of lives through job losses, housing instability, and the tragic loss of loved ones. Many of those who experienced a dramatic career shift were artists. Artists relied on live bookings for income, but when the world shut down, they had to find new ways to share their craft.
The solution? Live streaming.
Live streaming enables artists to connect with their audience in real time, creating a more intimate and engaging experience. Viewers can interact through live chat, creating a sense of community among fans and performers alike. The creative possibilities are endless—artists can host themed music nights, play games with viewers, and even customize their streaming interface with unique audio-visual effects. The platform (Twitch) is very customizable, allowing artists the flexibility to craft a distinct brand identity.
This is a clip (below) from a @bass.n.babes live stream. The collective hosted an LA Fire Relief Fundraiser to aid those after the tragedy hit. Jamming out to her set and engaging with her audience here, is Abby (@itsbabykush), the founder of Bass N Babes.
Additionally, consistency is the key to building a dedicated audience. Establishing a streaming schedule helps maintain loyal engagement, as viewers appreciate a recurring series they can look forward to. A structured, reliable presence online can lay the foundation for a loyal following and open doors to new opportunities.
Getting Started on Twitch
Do you have an account on Twitch? If you haven’t already, creating a Twitch account is the first step. Explore the platform, find streamers in genres that interest you, and observe what draws viewers to their content. This will introduce you to the live-streaming community and help you find your niche.
Beyond streaming your own content, engagement is crucial. Supporting other creatives, participating in chats, and networking within the Twitch ecosystem will help you establish connections and grow your audience. Make new internet friends! Becoming an active part of the community is just as important as showing up to stream.
Launching Your First Stream
Once you’ve done your research and gathered the necessary equipment (which can be upgraded over time), it’s time to start streaming. Many artists hesitate, waiting for the perfect setup—but perfection isn’t necessary. The key is to begin. Grab your webcam, mixer, and some snacks to keep you energized—then go live.
Live streaming not only helps you build an audience, but also serves as valuable practice. Whether you’re a DJ, musician, or any other type of artist, performing in front of a live audience sharpens your skills.
Viewers can witness your creative process in real-time, and instant feedback in the chat can provide more opportunities to connect with your audience.
Picture this: streaming for just one hour can provide an hour of practice, an hour of potential content to repurpose, and an hour of direct engagement with your audience—all of which contribute to your artistic growth.
Khariszma on the Importance of Streaming
Khariszma is an avid live streamer and DJ, who we had the honor of speaking with last week. She shares with Mic Drop, the importance of streaming for new artists, as well as her experience on Twitch. She is the founder of @couchfestfam and streams her own Liquid Soul Sundays every Sunday. Khariszma is a creator that has experienced all of the phases of streaming (prior, during, and post-pandemic), but has found a strategy that is consistent and efficient.
As a long-time streaming advocate, Khariszma stresses the importance of streaming as a tool for practice, learning, and exposure. She explains that streaming helps build an intimate relationship with music, allowing artists to develop a deep understanding of the tracks they love. For Khariszma, streaming isn’t just about playing music – it’s about being able to freestyle, blend, and discover new ways to enjoy the process.
She also highlights that streaming can be freeing for artists, as it allows them to play at their own pace, choose their own tracks, and learn to be comfortable with mistakes.
Khariszma: “It’s so liberating in terms of DJing… You don’t have to rely on promoters. You don’t have to get booked for shows. You just go for it.”
Stream For the Fun of It
At the end of the day, live streaming should be enjoyable. While it may feel challenging at first, consistency and persistence will lead to growth. Your audience will come with time—perhaps even faster than expected.
For those new to live streaming, the experience offers endless opportunities. Whether discovering a new artistic medium, finding a supportive community, or drawing inspiration from unseen creators, the journey can be a fulfilling one.
Stream for the many benefits—but most importantly, stream because it’s fun!
Tune into these live steams this week:
- AlleyKayDJ
- Toronto-based DJ specializing in techno during her live performances. However, on stream, AlleyKay explores different sub-genres of techno, DnB, house, and jungle. AlleyKay streams on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Angelphroot
- Toronto-based DJ who specializes in techno, happy hardcore, dubstep, ampiano, baile funk, indian tunes, and many more. Angelphroot is a genre-blender like no other; The streams are every Monday at 6 PM EST.
- CouchFestFam
- Grassroots underground bass music collective. Your source for underground bass music and talent.
- Nyybeats
- The Louisville, Kentucky native is now an LA-based DJ and streamer. Nyybeats has crafted a supportive community that tunes into her music-themed live streams throughout the week. She explores a wide range of music and can be found streaming house, ukg, DnB, throwbacks, emo anthems, and pretty much any genre you can think of. She’s a fun streamer to watch throughout your week!
- Liquid Soul Sunday w Khariszma
- The Bay Area native brings you the best of underground liquid drum and bass. Catch her stream every Sunday night!
